Broken nails are common in guinea pigs, but a new guinea pig owner may be unaware of this and unsure what to do if the situation arises. This is why we decided to write an article in response to the question, “What to do if my guinea pig’s nail got ripped off?” In this article, you’ll learn why a guinea pig’s nail may rip off, what to do about it, and how to avoid it. I’ll also go over some frequently asked questions about guinea pig nails.
Nail ripping, broken nails, or injured nails in guinea pigs can be excruciatingly painful. It can result in excessive bleeding and infection and usually occurs when your guinea pig’s nails become too long.
When a guinea pig’s nail is ripped, it must be treated immediately. This is because a ripped nail can be extremely painful for your guinea pig and is the most prone to infection.
Guinea Pigs Nail Got Ripped Off
If your guinea pig’s nail has been ripped off, proceed as follows:
- Add pressure to the nail bed to stop bleeding. Be cautious because your guinea pig may become hostile as you apply pressure.
- Apply wound care cream. A great option is this spray, which is safe for guinea pigs.
- Keep an eye on your guinea pig’s feet after the bleeding has stopped to ensure there is no infection.
- To avoid infection, keep your guinea pig’s cage and feet dry.
- If there is an infection, you should apply an antibiotic cream.
- If there is still part of the nail left attached to their feet, you should remove it. I highly recommend using these guinea pig clippers to do so.
If your guinea pig’s nail is just hanging off its feet, it is best to trim it carefully. Removing the broken nail allows you to treat it, leading to a quicker recovery. If you leave it hanging, it can be intensely uncomfortable for your guinea pig and even fatal. Remember to use a good quality nail clipper when trimming your guinea pigs’ nails.
It is also advised to apply styptic powder (or corn flour) to the tip of the paw to prevent bleeding. You can also use beeswax, a natural antiseptic for guinea pigs. Additionally, keep your guinea pig’s nail bed clean and dry to reduce the risk of guinea pig foot spur or infection.
What causes a guinea pig nail to get ripped off?
Long nails getting stuck in cages, toys, bedding, etc., can cause ripped nails. There are also times when your guinea pig’s nail will fall off naturally. This typically occurs when a new nail grows from the nail bed, pushing the old nail away. It’s natural, and while it doesn’t bleed much, it can still be unpleasant for guinea pigs.
While this natural process does not appear harmful to your guinea pig, keeping an eye out for infections is still essential. Infections such as foot abscesses are common in these situations, and this occurs when the guinea pig cannot break its old nail and is forced to walk on the sharp tip.
Guinea pig infection after nail ripped off
If you observe any redness or inflammation on your guinea pig’s feet within the first 48 hours, it probably has an infection. Bumblefoot is the most common infection in guinea pigs when their nails are ripped out. This occurs when their nail bed is exposed to wet flooring or bedding for an extended period.
Infections can also result in symptoms such as difficulty walking, discharge, a foul odor, and stiffness. If you suspect an infection in your guinea pig, you should apply an antibiotic cream or antiobiotic such as baytril. If it doesn’t get better in a day or two, you should take your guinea pig to a veterinarian immediately.
How to prevent guinea pig’s nails from falling off
So, how can we keep our guinea pigs’ nails from being ripped off? Here are a few things to think about:
- Check your guinea pigs’ nails regularly and trim them if they appear too long. Also, make sure you are using a high-quality nail clipper.
- Place your guinea pig in a suitable cage with soft flooring. Avoid wire-bottomed cages because your guinea pigs’ nails can get caught.
- Use absorbent and odor-free bedding. This will keep your guinea pig’s health in check. You can also add wood to the cage to aid in sanding your guinea pigs’ nails.
- Allow enough room for your guinea pig to move around.
Do guinea pig’s nails grow back?
The good news is that a guinea pig’s nail will regrow on its own, usually growing quickly and painlessly. However, if your guinea pigs’ nails were ripped out due to severe damage, they may grow back as a small nail, a deformed stub, or they may not grow back at all. It can take 1-2 months, sometimes up to 6 months, for the toenail to grow back correctly. Everything will be fine if you keep its nail bed clean and dry and if you treat it with antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian.
Once its nail has fully grown back, maintain its length and keep it from growing too long to avoid repeating the situation. A guinea pig’s nails should be trimmed once a month, and a baby guinea pig’s nails should be trimmed every two weeks.
Conclusion
Having a pet guinea pig can be a lot of fun. They are incredible creatures, but they, like any other pet, require proper care. The most common cause of broken nails in guinea pigs is a lack of vitamin C. Make sure you feed your guinea pig nutritious food and keep it active to develop stronger nails that won’t rip or break easily. Fingers crossed that this article has helped answer the question, “What to do if my guinea pig’s nail got ripped off?” Best of luck!